Novotny purchased the winning numbers at the store where he goes every morning, Hoesel said. He is a longtime lottery player, according to the release. His biggest win before the drawing Wednesday was $200.

The lucky winner said he wasn't going to buy a ticket Wednesday, but he is glad he didn't break his buying streak.

Albertsons hasn't sold a winning ticket for that much money, but Novotny deserved to win, Hoesel added.

"We always called him lucky," she said. "He's an awesome guy."

It was a relief to win, Novotny's wife Marge said.

"We really needed something," she said. "Everything is getting so high and all we got coming in is our Social Security, so it keeps going down, down, down."

Raymond said the plane ride was a long one and he was excited get back home to show his wife the check. He plans to put it in the bank until he decides what to do with it.

"It's a miracle, though I got to say I've been on my knees quite a bit thanking the Lord above because he had something to do with it, I'm sure," he added.